I’m in the top 1% of listeners on Spotify’s New Music Friday country playlist, and I consider myself a connoisseur of the genre. As a lifelong listener of country, it’s been fascinating to watch the genre evolve from the 2000s hesitant conglomeration of pop, rock n’ roll, Americana and bluegrass to one where even the most niche subgenres have gone mainstream alongside pop-influenced and bro-country.

I believe we are in a golden age of country music. Singer-songwriter Zach Bryan – who was put on my radar in 2019 after his powerful debut album “Deann” – is dominating the country charts with his alt-country tracks alongside the juggernaut Morgan Wallen, who recently released another pop-country album lauding whiskey and women.

While we’re only four months into 2023, there are already a myriad of phenomenal projects and songs out. Here are my top three favorite or most-anticipated country releases so far.

1) Megan Moroney – Lucky

With her big blonde hair, colorful outfits and sparkly persona, Moroney echoes Shania Twain and Dolly Parton, and much like Twain and Parton, she has set herself up to make a massive impact in country music. I first learned about Moroney after she released her hit single, “Tennessee Orange” in September 2022. The emotional, crooning song tells the story of Moroney, who is from Georgia, falling in love with someone from the University of Georgia’s rival school, the University of Tennessee.

Moroney released “I’m Not Pretty” on Feb. 19, a cleverly named song about an ex-boyfriend’s current girlfriend scrolling through Moroney’s Instagram and pointing out her flaws. Less than a month later, on March 10, she released the title track of her debut album “Lucky,” a punchy song about a fun (and possibly regrettable) night out with friends. Moroney’s creative songwriting prowess has only continued to grow since her first EP, “Pistol Made of Roses,” and fans eagerly await the release of all 13 tracks on May 5.

2) Luke Combs – Gettin’ Old

I cannot make this list without mentioning Combs’ fourth studio album “Gettin’ Old.” I was a bit disappointed in his previous album, “Growin’ Up,” so I had low expectations with the release of “Gettin’ Old,” especially since it acts as a companion to its underwhelming predecessor. However, Luke Combs defied all of my preconceived notions and delivered what will probably be one of the best albums of 2023.

It has the usual slew of songs about growing up in a small town, drinking, family and failed romances, but stands out among other albums with similar themes – and not just because it’s a Luke Combs release. There’s something cohesive and mature about the coming-of-age saga told in “Gettin’ Old,” which he intertwines with the familiar and warm feeling that his listeners have grown accustomed to.

3) HARDY – the mockingbird & THE CROW

Michael Hardy – who performs as HARDY – might just be one of the best country singer-songwriters of the 21st century (sorry, Zach Bryan). The Mississippi native has penned many of his friend Morgan Wallen’s top hits such as “More Than My Hometown” and “Sand in My Boots” along with Blake Shelton’s “God’s Country” and Florida-Georgia Line’s “Up Down.”

“the mockingbird & THE CROW” is HARDY’s most ambitious release yet. The 17-song album starts with the country sound which he is most known for but transitions to rock halfway through with the title track “the mockingbird & THE CROW” followed by “SOLD OUT,” which is HARDY’s ode to his roots and that, despite now having a spot in the country limelight, he refuses to cave to popular pressure. For older HARDY fans, listen for a reference to his previous album, “A ROCK,” in the song “TRUCK BED.”

If you haven’t heard “the mockingbird & THE CROW” yet, do yourself a favor and spend an hour listening to some of the best storytelling and lyricism country music has to offer.